FAMU Named One of Forbes Magazine’s Top American Colleges

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has been named by Forbes magazine as one of “America’s Top Colleges” for 2015. Forbes also listed FAMU as one of its “Best in the South” colleges.

Universities and colleges appearing on the list are recognized for providing their students with the best return-on-investment in categories such as student satisfaction, post-graduate success, academic success, career success, nationally competitive awards, student debt, retention, and graduation rates.

“I applaud all members of the FAMU community who have committed to ensuring that our students get the best return on the investment they have made in their education,” said President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D.

Florida A&M University president, Dr. Elmira Mangum

She added, “This ranking is reflective of our current success, and is a great indicator of the future of FAMU. Through the growth of our living-learning, student-centered environment, we are moving the needle forward toward becoming a best-in-class research University with a global presence.”

The rankings are prepared exclusively for Forbes by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, a Washington, D.C. think tank founded by Ohio University economist Richard Vedder.

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About FAMU

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is one of the largest single-campus historically Black colleges or universities in the nation. The University blends a strong research focus with a commitment to economic empowerment and community service.

The University was founded in 1887 as the State Normal School for Colored Students. Today, FAMU continues its mission to be a best-in-class, land-grant institution with a global reach that focuses on science, technology, research, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics.

FAMU contributes to a strong workforce by providing a high-quality, affordable education to students from diverse backgrounds.

What distinguishes Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University from other universities is its legacy of providing access to a high-quality, affordable education to many students who otherwise may never have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of getting a college degree. The CollegeNet and PayScale Social Mobility Index (SMI) have recognized FAMU for its commitment to providing pathways for social and economic mobility.

SMI ranks FAMU third among all colleges and universities in the nation for fostering social and economic opportunity. FAMU is also one of the top institutions for providing a high-quality education at an affordable price in Florida, according to The College Database (2013).

U.S. News & World Report lists FAMU as the nation’s top public historically Black college or university (HBCU) for 2015. The University was also recognized among the 2014 U.S. News & World Report “Best National Universities.” It is listed among The Princeton Review’s “Best in the Southeast” colleges.